Highway marking apparatus and method



July 21, 1959 D, JR" ET AL 2,895,647

HIGHWAY MARKING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed Nov. 15, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS JOHN R. WALD, JR. RUFUS w. WILSON BY kflmwF wms ATTORNEY 1959 J. R. WALD, JR., ET AL 2,895,647

HIGHWAY MARKING APPARATUS AND METHOD Filed Nov. 15, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 AIR COMPRESSOR FIG. 3

SPHERE RESERVOIR PRESSURIZED 545 PSI FIG. 4

INVENTORS JOHN R. WALD, JR. RUFUS W. WILSON BY dam. 1

Loans ATTORNEY United States Patent 2,895,647 HIGHWAY APPARATUS AND METHOD John R. Wald, Jr and Rufus W. Wilson, Huntingdon, .Pa.,:assignors to Wald lndustries lnu, Huntingdon, Pa., 'a corporation of Pennsylvania Application November .15, 1956, Serial No. 622,309 14 Claims. (Cl. 222- 189) The present invention relates to highway marking apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a glass bead dispenser that is adapted to convey glass beads from a container and uniformly distribute the glass beads or spheres on a freshly applied roadway marking, thereby forming a reflectorized traflic stripe on the roadway.

In the application of trafiic lines to highways, it is generally desirable to apply a reflectorized material in the form of small glass spheres or beads to the highway stripe for increasing night-time visibility and further extending the life of the stripe. The small glass beads may be applied with the paint binder in a single operation or an alternative method of application is to apply the paint binder separately and then immediately follow the paint binder with an application of the small glass beads which are dispensed by gravity fiow thereon.

Prior to the instant invention, the heretofore known striping apparatus for individually applying the paint binder and glass beads has either been of the self-propelled variety or that type of machine connected to a towing vehicle. The bead dispenser was normally mounted on the striping machine so that it was positioned rearwardly of the paint gun with respect to the direction of travel and was fed by a glassbead reservoir positioned at an elevated location directly over said dispenser to permit, feeding of the beads by gravity from the reservoir to the dispenser. Thus, a paint line was applied to the surface to be marked and the beads were then applied di rectly on the freshly painted line or stripe. In order to uniformly distribute the glass beads on the paint stripe, it

has been necessary to position the glass bead reservoir directly above the dispenser within a confined scope due to the steep angle of repose of the small glass spheres having a maximum diameter of approximately .030 inch.

Due to moisture from the atmosphere, there is a tendency for the beads to stick together, although even when dry the spheres pack tightly from their own accumulated weight when confined in a container. Further difiicultie's have been experienced inthe past with the use 'of gravity flow, particularly when non-metallic tubes or conductors are utilized to convey the beads from the container to the dispenser.

When rubber conductors are used, friction causes the spheres to pack. These difficulties present problems that make it necessary to provide very steep .:angles in the feed lines to gravitate the spheres. Under *normal operationcon'ditions at angles of'50 or less from horizontal, the glass spheres will not flow freely through the feed lines.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide glass bead'dispensing apparatus that is adapted to eliminate the need for steep angles in the feed lines from the reservoir to the dispenser.

Another object-of thepresent invention is to provide agla'ss bead dispenser'thatis adapted to be mounted on .:a astriping machine that .prevents packing of the glass :beads .in the "feed lines.

Still another object of the presentinvention is to pro- '2 vide a glass bead dispenser which incorporates a novel diaphragm controlled valve.

Still another object of thepresent invention is to provide a diaphragm controlled valve for controlling the dispensing of the glass beads that is quicker acting and more eflicient.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a glass bead dispensing method and apparatus that is adapted to distribute glass beads at a uniform rate and with a uniform distribution thereof on the surface being marked.

Other objects and the nature and advantages of the instant invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a highway marking machine .of .the self-propelled type, illustrating the location of the bead dispensing apparatus embodied in the present invention mounted thereon;

Fig. '2 is a top plan view of the bead dispenser embodied herein and shown particularly in Fig. 3;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the beaddispenser taken along the line '3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the ,line 4-4 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 3.

It hasnow been "found that by introducing dry air under a low pressure greater than atmospheric into the glass bead reservoir the glass beads can be pressurized and successfully conveyed in this manner through feed lines tom the reservoir to the dispensing device. In this manner, the 'reservoirneed not be located directly above the dispensing device since the spheres can now be readily conveyed through long horizontal and vertically inclined runs with ease. It has likewise now been found that this lower air pressure can be utilized in the operation of the diaphragm controlled valve to improve its action.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly Fig. -1 a highway marking machine of the self-propelled type is illustrated and includes a frame 10 upon which wheels 12 are rot-a'tably mounted atthe front and rear thereof. The marking machine may be of the tri-wheeled type, a small wheel being positioned at the front thereof, and the operator may either walk behind the machine or ride on a rear platform mounted on the rear thereof. Also mounted on the frame 10 is an internal combustion engine 14 'for supplying the operating power for the machine and a compressor 16 drivenby the engine 14 for supplying the operating air for the dispensing equipment. Mounted rearwardlyof the engine 14 and compressor 16 on suitable supports secured to the frame 10 is a receptacle 18 which contains the paint binder. A reservoir 20 is located adjacent the container 18 and contains a supply of small light reflecting beads of glass. Extending outwardly from the frame 10 and secured thereto is a subframe assembly 22 that has mounted thereon a paint gun 24. The paint gun 24 communicates with the paint container 18 through a paint conducting conduit 25. The paint gun '24 further communicates with a source of air pressure through lines 26 -and 28 which are operatively beads and for thispurpose communicates with the bead reservoir 20 through a flexible conduit 34. The bead dispenser is adapted to be air-operated for instantaneous .control, as will be described hereinafter, and further communicates with a source of air pressure through an air line 36 operatively connected thereto, the air line 36 communicating with the flexible air hose 27 through the T coupling.

It is understood that the operator of the striping machine controls the operation thereof so that the machine is propelled along the road to be marked at a relatively low rate of speed, the direction of travel being in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 1. As the machine moves along the surface of the road, the paint gun 24 applies a paint stripe thereon and immediately thereafter glass beads are dispensed by the bead dispenser 32 on the freshly applied paint stripe.

Referring now to Figs. 2-4, the glass bead dispensing apparatus embodied in the present invention is illustrated. An air supply hose 31 conducts a supply of air under a lower pressure of approximately to 15 p.s.i. through an air filter 33 and thence into the sphere reservoir 20. The glass beads are pressurized by the air and flow freely through the system. The dispenser includes a central housing 40 that has a valve chamber 41 formed therein. Mounted on the central housing 40 and secured thereto by suitable bolts 42 is an upper housing 44. Between the central housing 40 and the upper housing 44 is positioned a diaphragm 45, the operation of which will be described hereinafter. The diaphragm 45 cooperates with .the upper housing 44 to define an upper diaphragm chamber 46 which is adapted to receive operating air therein for causing movement of the diaphragm 45. Extending into the upper chamber 46 through an opening formed in the upper housing wall 47 is a hollow shaft 48 that is connected to the air line 36. As described above, the air line 36 is connected to a source of higher air pressure of approximately 80-110 p.s.i. that supplies the air for operating the bead dispenser. The hollow shaft 48 is secured to a movable cup member 50 by an adjustment nut 52 and extends through an inner gland nut 54. The inner gland nut 54 is threadedly mounted in neck portion 55 that is integrally formed on the upper housing wall 47. The gland nut 54 engages a packing assembly 56 that is seated within the neck portion 55 and that further engages the shaft 48 in sealing relation therewith. It is seen that the shaft 48, adjustment nut 52 and cup member 50 are movable with respect to the gland nut 54 and upper housing 44 and as described below will be moved upon the introduction of air under pressure through the hollow shaft 48 and into contact with the diaphragm 45. In

order to normally restrain the shaft 48 and cup member 50 against downward movement, a coil spring 58 is provided and is positioned within the cup member 50, encircling the shaft 48 and bearing against the upper end of the gland nut 54.

In order to introduce the operating air into the upper chamber 46, the hollow shaft is formed with a plurality of ports 60 at the lower end thereof which communicate with the chamber 46 and are thus adapted to supply the operating air thereto. Defining the lower end of the chamber 46 is the diaphragm 45, the outer edge of which is disposed between the upper housing 44 and the central housing 40, thereby securing the diaphragm in position. The diaphragm 45 is mounted between reinforcing discs 64 and 66 through which extend a lower threaded portion 68 of the shaft 48. The discs 64, 66 are positioned between a shoulder 67 formed on the lower end of the hollow shaft 48 and an upper face 69 of a square-shaped upper end 70 of a valve stem 72. The upper end 70 of the valve stem 72 threadably receives the threaded portion 68 of the shaft 48 and thus is operatively secured to the shaft 48 and diaphragm 45. As shown in Fig. 5, the square-shaped upper end 70 of the valve stem 72 extends through a square opening 74 formed in a partition, 76

which separates the valve chamber 41 from a lower diaphragm chamber 43 which extends from the partition 76 to the diaphragm 45. A plurality of minute gas openings 71 is provided in the partition 76 for connecting the valve chamber 41 with the lower diaphragm chamber 43. The gas openings 71 may be located in a circular pattern as illustrated in Fig. 4. Along the'lower surface of the partition 76 covering the gas openings is located a screen grid- 73 held in place by a suitable gasket and washer assembly received on the upper end 70 of the valve stem 72 which is secured to the partition 76 by bolts 78. Joined to the central housing 40 is a tube 79 that defines a bead inlet port 80 communicating with the dispensing chamber 41. The tube 79 is secured to the flexible conduit 34 and thus communicates with the glass bead reservoir 20. It is seen that pressurized glass beads are continuously fed to the valve chmber 41 through the conduit 34 and tube 79 and the valve chamber 41 is maintained full when the valve 82 is closed.

The air under the lower pressure of 5 to 15 p.s.i. in the valve chamber 41 filters through the glass beads, screen grid 73 and the gas openings 71 into the lower diaphragm chamber 43 to equalize the internal pressure in the valve chamber 41 and the lower diaphragm chamber 43.

In order to control the flow of the glass beads through the bead conduit 34 and tube 79 and into the dispensing chamber 41, a frusto conical distributing valve 82 is provided and is threadedly secured to the valve stem 72. The distributing valve 82 is normally urged into sealing engagement with a grommet 84 that is secured to an adjustment plate 86. The grommet opening provides an inlet for the glass beads for distribution about the conical valve 82. The adjustment plate 86 is secured to the housing 40 by bolts 90 that extend through enlarged openings 91 formed in the plate 86. In order to laterally shift the grommet carrying adjustment plate 86, an adjustment nut 92 threadably engaging a threaded opening 93 is provided, which opening is formed in the body of the housing 40.

It is seen that that upon movement of the diaphragm 45 in response to the high pressure of air thereon, the distributing valve 82 will be forced downwardly out of engagement with the grommet 84, thereby providing for flow of the glass beads about the conical valve 82. The conical shape of the valve 82 causes the small glass beads to fall outwardly and to be evenly distributed onto the surface being marked.

In operation of the bead dispenser embodied herein, the shaft 48 is secured to the higher air pressure conduit 36 for controlling the operation of the diaphragm valve through the action of three-way valve 29, and the glass bead inlet tube 79 is secured to the flexible conduit 34 for receiving the glass beads therein. The glass beads under pressure flow through the conduit 34 and tube 79 into the dispensing chamber 41 with the air pressure equalizing itself in the sphere reservoir 20, conduit 34, valve chamber 41 and lower diaphragm chamber 43. In the striping operation, the operator of the striping machine controls the three-way valve 29 operatively connected to the higher air pressure supply line that provides for the introduction of high pressure air through the air conduit 36 and into the hollow shaft 48. The air under pressure considerably higher than that in the lower diaphragm chamber 43 then forces the diaphragm 45 downwardly against the action of the spring 58, moving the conical distributing valve 82 out of engagement with the grommet 84 to allow the beads to drop through the opening in the grommet and strike the conical surface of the distributing valve. The beads are deflected outwardly, being uniformly distributed on the freshly painted stripe applied by the paint gun 24.

When the dispensing of the heads is to cease, the operator of the machine operates the three-way valve 29 to exhaust the high pressure air from the upper diaphragm chamber 46 through the hollow shaft 48 and the air Fin-,the lower diaphragm chamber :43 tandem 1 chamber :41: being equalized due ttO ithet gasv openings 7 71, .QQUfl-HZBS rthe rinternal remarr ed? dine @36ithrough wthe valve329. 'l-Ihe ractiontofitherspring ;-58 and ,theypressurerof the low ,pressure a-airiin 1th lower .diaphragmrchamberdmcombinedo pull-.thc conieal valve .82 aupward aagainst the grommet Theeair pre'ssur'e athe valve :pressure against :thellower :surface :of the diaphragm 45 and :the -exposed. surface aof the conical [valve 82. :"lhe'exposed:surfacetoftthediaphragm 45 has a greater area than the exposed surface of the -,conical valve 82 and therefore :the total' force against .the diaphragm exceeds -the itdtal -:E oreeagains't-.-the ex posed surface of the --v'alve, thereby holdingrthe wal-ve a shut.

:It is seen .that :by, providing a pressufized zsource 'of glass beads, :the ibead dispenser :andazthe glass: bead reservoir .may :be -.,positioned .in striping machines wherever it desirable. Ihe-..reservoir need-rnot be inclose;proX- imity to :the bead-dispenser as heretofore directly there- .over, but: can be connected :by. :sloping tor-even rhorizontal conduits. The diaphragm; .provides atveryrclose control oftthe distributing valve 182 and is responsivet-to .the application'ofvair thereto to cause.instantaneous,mQvement-of thedistributingvalve 82. The.air'xusedfor operation' of the diaphragm can be taken .directly "from the main air .supply ,line of .the machine. The air. 'fon-pressurizing the glass spheres is of .-a.lower; .pressure Ythan :the "smainwair supply line. This air'shouldbe.-filtered.'through the air .filter. 33 .so as torelirninate any moisture therefrom that might cause -.agglomeration. 'of the beads. ;B y.-use-of=.-the coil spring. 5.8 inrcombination withtthe air ,pressure of -the .beads, the distributing valve -.82.is inormally lretained in ,aclosed position and will betbiased ttoltherclosedgposition when the .air pressure ontthe diaphragm fi ,is removed.

335 ".chamlrerlbeing Elikewisesmaintained under ithe :same rgas Thetension on .the. coil .spring may be easily variedby the cup member ,50, thereby varying .themovement of the distributing valve. The.,limit ofmovementof the distributing valve is then determined by the,,position of the cup member with respect to the upper housing. By providing a close control of the movement of the-valve,

an even, distribution of 'thelbeads is effected.

.;It is seen'that the stripingrapparatus'usingfthe' abovedescribed "bead dispensermnay bepropelled at various speeds depending'upon'the speed of operation demanded by the stripingconditions and the-"glass -beads will-always be uniformly distributed on the =surface'*being-marked.

It will be obvious .to those skilled in the art that various changes may be 'made without departing from the spirit of "the invention and therefore-the invention is .not limited .to what is shown in the *drawingsand described in .the specification but only .aszindicated-innthe appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

,tl. In a dispenser for small glass spheres, assourceof glass spheres subjected to a gas under a relatively 'low pressure yet greater than atmospheric, a source of gas pressure under a relatively high pressure, a valve chamber, a valve arranged in said chamber, a diaphragm chamber, a diaphragm arranged within said diaphragm chamber separating said diaphragm chamber into two portions, said diaphragm being connected to said valve and adapted to control the position of said valve by movement of said diaphragm, a first means connecting said valve chamber and said source of spheres, whereby said valve chamber is maintained full of glass spheres subjected to said gas under a relatively low pressure when said valve is closed, a second means permitting the passage of the low pressure gas from said valve chamber to one portion of the diaphragm chamber, a third means connecting the other portion of said diaphragm chamber with said source of higher gas pressure, and a second valve arranged in said third means, whereby the control of the operation of said second valve results in the operation of said first mentioned valve through said (E diaphragm no idispensezzcontrolled :amounts wf csaid .aglass :spheresrfrom isaidsvalve chamber.

Inzasdispenser: in :.accordance"with :claim :1, 'wherein 2 said zsecoiidsmeans icornprises .agpartition :separating L Sald valve chamber from the one portion of said :di'aphragm \charhberg'mpluralityr ofi'minutecgas openings; through said spartition, and :.-a' screen griddocated :a'djacent zto .zaand 12in weontactwwith :said apartition in said :valve rchamber covaler'ing tsaidy gas openings.,lisaid ."gri'd being: so constructed .10 :as :to permitithe flow or '.gas 'therethrough :from said valve chamber to: said gasopenings and .toathe one perxtion .of *asaid diaphragm achamber while :preventing .the massage of said glass spheres-:therethr'oug'h.

:ln: sdiaphragmsactuated :valve aarrangement: forxdis- :15 qpensin 'sm'allrsolid particles comprising a valve, aa'valve' cham'ber sand at :diaphrag'm chamber containing 1 a diet- :zphragmltherein; separating said" diaphragm chamber :into (an uipper'ezand '23. :lower sportion, .said adiaphragm being :cnnnected ito nsaid :valve 1 and .adapted .to :control the 1 ;po-

.520 :sitinnrdf said valve byzmovement :of said diaphragm, a

:firstrsourceaofagasrpressurenof a-irelatively:high'pressure, .z-aazseeond rsourcezof gas pressurewofarelatively low pressnregsletagreaterathanatmospheric, .-a first means for conmecting said ifiI'St source-ofrgas pressure to the upper side .225 ;oi::.saidr.diaphragmwheniit issdesiredto open'said valve,

.acontainer: containing: a supply :of 'said particles, a:.secvondxmeans Efor rconne'ctin-g said second source of gas pressure to zsaid :container, :a-third .means for connecting said container to said valve chamber, and azplurality of T530 ra'hinnte .gas iopenings ibetween the lower portion tot :said

diaphragm schamber and said :valve chamber whereby .when asaidvalve is closedxsaid valve chamber-is rmaintainediiull'rofisaidaparticles and is :under pressure-10f .the lowerirgas zpressure,itheslowerv portion of :said diaphragm pressuretssouthat when said valve .isaopen due :to the ;:higher (gas pressure zactingnon the upper aside-oi rsaid diaphragm, said particles are dispensed from said valve chamber.

.iIn rarrangementxin :accordance with claim :3, ca ppartitionrseparating 1said valve chamber from'saidlower portion of said rdiaphragm chamber, said gas openings being :located 'inisaid partition, and a screen ,grid located adjacentaand in contact with said partitionvinasaid valve.achamberzcovering .said (gas openings, :said grid be- .ingiSDtfCOnSlllldtfid as to permit the flow of gas therethrough'rto ssaidrgaszopenings and etc thelower portion .of said :diaphragm chamber and prevent the passage rofrzsaidcsolidzparticles.

5..I:n1a .highway marking .machine .for distributing 'ereflectiv glass beads .upon a surface, a housing having a partition :rrtherein forming a valve chamber and a diaizphragm chamber, :a:;pluIali ty of ;.gas openings through :said partition, :a diaphragm disposed .insaid diaphragm 5:5 a. c'hamber, the upper surface of ,said diaphragm communieating with a source of higher gas pressure, means for controlling the passage of said higher gas pressure to the upper surface of said diaphragm, a valve stem secured to said diaphragm and extending through said valve chamber, said valve chamber having a glass bead inlet and a source of relatively lower air pressure but greater than atmospheric communicating therewith, whereby said valve chamber and the lower surface of said diaphragm are subjected to said lower gas pressure, a conical valve secured to said valve stem and being normally seated in said opening, said valve closing off communication between said valve chamber and said opening, said lower gas pressure normally retaining said valve in a closed position in said opening, said diaphragm being movable in response to the action of the gas pressure from said higher gas pressure source on the upper surface of said diaphragm thereby moving said valve out of engagement with the seat thereof to allow said glass beads to flow from said valve chamber through said opening.

6. In a machine in accordance with claim 5, wherein a screen grid is located in said valve chamber against said partition for preventing the flow of glass beads through said gas openings yet permitting the flow of gas therethrough.

7. In road striping apparatus for dispensing small glass spheres onto a freshly applied paint line, a housing, a lower chamber formed in said housing and adapted to receive said glass spheres therein, an upper chamber formed in said housing having a diaphragm secured therein to define upper and lower compartments, a sphere outlet communicating with said lower chamber, a valve disposed in said outlet and extending into said lower chamber, a valve stem joined to said valve and to said diaphragm, said valve thereby being responsive to movement of said diaphragm, means for introducing air under pressure into said upper compartment and into contact with the upper surface of said diaphragm, a source of said spheres located remote from said housing, conduit means interconnecting said sphere source and the lower chamber of said housing, means for introducing air under pressure into said sphere source for rapidly moving said spheres into the lower chamber of said housing, said lower chamber being pressurized by the air flowing through said sphere source when said valveis closed so that when air is introduced into said upper compartment and said diaphragm is flexed to open said valve, said spheres are discharged through said outlet in a pressurized stream.

8. In a highway marking machine as set forth in claim 7, which includes a partition located betweensaid lower chamber and said upper chamber, a pluralityof small passages formed in said partition, said passages providing communication between said lower chamber and the lower compartment of said upper chamber, said air introduced into said upper compartment of the upper chamber being at a higher pressure than said air pressurizing said lower chamber.

9. In a highway marking machine for dispensing glass spheres onto a surface, a housing having a valve chamber and a diaphragm chamber formed therein in coaxial relation to each other, a diaphragm disposed in said diaphragm chamber, an outlet formed in said valve chamber, a valve positioned in said outlet, a valve stem interconnecting said diaphragm and valve, said valve thereby being responsive to movement of said diaphragm, a source of said glass spheres located remote from said housing, a conduit interconnecting said source and said valve chamber, said source being subjected to air under pressure whereby said glass spheres are conveyed by airunder pressure into said valve chamber and maintained in a suspended state therein, means for introducing air under pressure to the upper surface of said diaphragm for causing flexing thereof, said valve thereby being moved to an open position to cause said spheres to be:

"discharged through said outlet in a pressurized stream.

10. In a highway marking machine as set forth in claim 9 which includes a partition located between said diaphragm chamber and said valve chamber, a plurality of small passages formed in said partition, said passages providing. communication between said valve chamber and the under surface of said diaphragm, said air for actuating said diaphragm being at a higher pressure than said air for conveying said spheres into said valve chamber.

11. In a highway marking machine for dispensing glass spheres onto a surface, a housing, a valve chamber formed in the lower portion of said housing, a diaphragm chamber formed in the upper portion of said housing and located in coaxial relation with said valve chamber, a valve located in said valve chamber, a diaphragm secured in said diaphragm chamber and operatively interconnected to said valve for causing movement thereof, a source of said glass spheres located remote from said housing, means interconnecting said sphere source to said housing, means for introducing air under pressure to said sphere source, said air under pressure acting as a carrying agent for conveying said spheres into said valve chamber in a suspended state, and means for introducing air under pressure in contact with said diaphragm for moving said valve to an open position, said spheres being discharged from said valve chamber in a pressurized stream.

12. In a highway marking machine as set forth in claim 11, wherein said air for actuating said diaphragm is at a higher pressure than said air for conveying said spheres from said sphere source to said valve chamber.

13. In a highway marking machine as set forth in claim 12 which includes a partition located between said diaphragm chamber and said valve chamber, a plurality of small passages formed in said partition, said passages providing communication between said valve chamber and the undersurface of said diaphragm, said diaphragm thereby being prevented from opening said valve when the sphere dispensing operation has been discontinued.

14. In a highway marking machine as set forth in claim 13 which includes a screen grid located in said valve chamber and adjacent said openings, said screen grid providing access of said air in said valve chamber for conveying the spheres through said openings and preventing the passage of said spheres therethrough.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Cresv'vell July 24, 1956 

